Naperville North quarterback wiser than his 2 years

Sophomore starter learned role, game quickly, coach says

Greg Wunderlich confidently barked out signals as Naperville North's varsity football team conducted its weekly goal-line drill early Wednesday evening.

The Huskie quarterback took a third-down snap, scrambled 10 years to his right and rifled a touchdown pass though the defense and into the arms of a teammate.

He handled the play and other drills with such poise and authority that it is easy to forget he's just a sophomore.

"He's like a returning senior," said Naperville North coach Larry McKeon, who played Wunderlich in two games as a freshman last year, including a playoff start against Hinsdale Central. "He has the tools. He can run, he can throw, he can catch and he's a lot faster than he looks.

"He's got a very good head about him. He makes decisions out on the field that I've had seniors who couldn't make."

Wunderlich starts his eighth varsity game on Friday as the Huskies (5-1, 3-1) take on Naperville Central in the annual crosstown classic at North Central College's Cardinal Stadium.

"You have to keep your composure," he said. "And you have to have a lot of trust in your linemen ... I'm mobile and we run a good amount of option. But our line makes it easy."

Huskie linemen have provided almost blanket protection for their young quarterback, who often scrambles out of the pocket or rolls out.

"In six games I haven't been sacked yet," he said. "Our linemen are really terrific."

Like many local players, Wunderlich received basic training in the popular Naperville Youth Football League. He started with in-house leagues in 2nd grade and within two years was playing on a traveling team that qualified for the national Pop Warner finals four straight years.

When Wunderlich entered high school, McKeon decided to bring him up to varsity based on his talent and other intangibles.

"He had that attitude that he wasn't scared of anything," said McKeon. "He recognizes things and has an innate ability to look at something and understand it. He soaks it all up. He's like a sponge."

And McKeon is looking forward to coaching Wunderlich for two more seasons.

"Now I've got to go back to school and find new things to teach him," he said. "He has to keep his intensity and make himself better. You have to work harder and harder each year because people are starting to catch up."

Wunderlich knows there still are areas to work on.

"I've thrown six interceptions--that's one per game, and you're not going to be happy with that," he said. "But as long as you get that `W' on the board, I'm happy."